The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that on Monday morning local time (April 27th), a preliminary magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck northern Japan, with no reports of casualties or property damage so far.
According to the US Geological Survey, the epicenter of the earthquake was located 18 kilometers (11 miles) west of Sarabetsu village in Hokkaido, with a depth of 81 kilometers (50 miles).
The Japan Meteorological Agency stated that the earthquake occurred at 5:24 a.m. local time, with the epicenter in the southern part of the Tokachi region and a depth of 80 kilometers.
Authorities mentioned that besides Hokkaido, there were slight tremors felt in some areas of Aomori, Iwate, and Miyagi prefectures.
Last week, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit the northern coastal areas of Japan, triggering a tsunami warning at one point, and warnings were issued stating that there is a slightly higher risk of a major earthquake along the Japanese coast.
According to the US Geological Survey, earthquakes are generally unpredictable, and it is only possible to calculate the probability of their occurrence.
The Japan Meteorological Agency also pointed out limitations in earthquake early warning systems. “This information is highly uncertain,” the agency stated last Monday following the earthquake.